Frankenstein Nature Vs Nurture Essay

Frankenstein vs. The Monster The nature vs. nurture debate has been around for years and will continue to be a topic of conversation for many more years to come with its many facets being portrayed in movies, novels, and real world scenarios. In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein the question of nature vs. nurture is portrayed through Victor Frankenstein’s creation, the monster's actions, and if Victor or the monster should be held responsible for the suffering those around them have endured. Curious about the complexity of death, Victor Frankenstein pushes the philosophical limits of science by creating a being from the body parts of the deceased. Although he was once thrilled about his creation, Victor soon realizes that what he originally envisioned

Due to his way of acting and learning the monster most greatly resembles a toddler and/or teenager. In a similar fashion to children, the monster learns to speak, read, and understand words and emotions through observation and mimicry. By watching the DeLaceys in their everyday lives the monster learns specific words stating that “by great application…I learned and applied the words, fire, milk, bread, and wood” (94). Although the monster was ‘born’ as an adult he still has to learn the small things that every human being learns as a child. Furthermore, the monsters’ reaction to not getting his way is also quite similar to that of a toddler or teenager. Understanding that he won’t find friendships with any human beings the monster throws a ‘tantrum’ and demands that Victor make him a companion that is identical to him. These characteristics essentially portray the monster as a ‘clean slate’ that is greatly influenced by those around him, which in turn supports the nurture side of the big nature vs. nurture debate and shows how Victor bears responsibility for the damage his creation

The very first event is the monster waking up alone after being created, here the monster is confused by his surroundings and can not understand why he is all alone. The monster soon discovers the answer to his question when he views his reflection for the first time. Admiring the beauty and complexions of the DeLaceys, the monster is frightened by his own reflection, “unable to believe that it was indeed I [the monster] who was reflected in the mirror…fully convinced that I was in reality the monster that I am” (96). Comparing his appearance to the DeLaceys the monster begins to form the opinion that he is hideous and that he is most likely all alone because of it. This opinion of himself is solidified when the monster reads Victor’s journals describing his feelings towards his creation. The monster reads about how his own creator saw him as hideous and terrifying and asks, “why did you [Victor] form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in disgust?” (111). The revelation that even his own creator was frightened by him sets the monster's opinion about himself and how no one would ever accept him. The constant rejection that the monster faces –from the DeLaceys. Victor, and other humans– drives the monster to declare revenge on his creator. These experiences continue to validate the argument that Victor holds responsibility for the monster's actions and the